By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Chelsea have sacked manager Graham Potter after less than seven months in charge following Saturday’s home defeat by Aston Villa.
Potter was appointed on September 8 on a five-year deal, after controversial dismissal of Thomas Tuchel.
A statement on behalf of co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.
“We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”
The statement on Chelsea’s website added that Potter ‘agreed to collaborate’ with the club to facilitate a smooth transition, and the Blues thanked the 47-year-old for his efforts and wished him well for the future.
The Blues appeared to have finally turned a corner with three consecutive wins – against Leeds and Leicester in the Premier League, and Borussia Dortmund in Europe – but have slipped back again.
They were held 2-2 at home by relegation-threatened Everton just before the March international break, before Saturday 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa proved the final straw for Boehly.